curtail
The definition for curtail is "To make less." Used in a sentence: Doreen decided to curtail her spending after she bounced a check.
flourish
The definition for flourish is "To make bold, sweeping gestures." Used in a sentence: The fairy godmother flourished her wand and turned the pumpkin into a carriage.
inauspicious
The definition for inauspicious is "Not favorable." Used in a sentence: Gary believed the black foreboding sky was an inauspicious sign.
manifest
The definition for manifest is "Obvious." Used in a sentence: James finally made his affection manifest when he handed Jessica a red rose.
ploy
The definition for ploy is "A contrived plan." Used in a sentence: Sarah thought George's ploy of borrowing her notes was a cowardly way to ask her out.